Talk about family drama. It seemed there was one in every pack. Or clan. By now, I could tell not everything was hale and merry in this Lycan family. Luna Nazia and Eira Haris didn’t get along. The Lycan Leader turned a deaf ear to their argument, but indicated his favoritism towards his mistress through his lack of action. No female, bedmate of a pack leader or clan, could talk back to the Luna without consequences. Yet, Eira Haris did, and the Lycan Leader didn’t so much as reprimand her. As a rejected mate, I both envied and admired her. This female must have skills to live in the Lycans' den as the mistress of the Lycan Leader. Raed Basil had already mated and marked his true soulmate, and yet, she still remained in his life. This wasn't a task any female, she-wolf or Lycan, could do. It was a war against the mate-bond. However, why was Idris Raed lumping me with his mother? From her patronizing gaze, anyone could tell the woman didn't like me. Or maybe, she was taking out her
My heart began to race at the thought. Calm down, Saira! It will be fine! I shook my head to clear it of the messy thoughts. It wouldn’t do me any good to panic now. I needed my emotions under control and my brain cells working overtime. Distraction and impatience would only lead me to my grave. Now calmer and more relaxed, I ignored Zaria’s mocking jeers for the rest of the stroll back to the mansion. Few clan members dawdled around the areas the ranked members resided. As such, I reached the mansion door without running into anyone. “Hey, hey! Hold up!” As I raised my foot to step into the building, a figure dashed from behind me and threw out his arms to block my path. “What’s wrong? Did I do something to tick you off?” Idris Raed asked, scanning my face with a playful smirk. I frowned. I didn’t notice the bastard had followed me back. “Your face alone is enough to ruin my mood. You don't need to do anything to tick me off.” I retorted, going around him to enter the mansion.
Lycan Town was as loud and boisterous as the humans’ downtown district. The super-malls and restaurants resembled conch shell snails in design. Built out of glass, they occupied about one third of the town. On the other hand, the clubs and hangout spots were in the structures of giant sea creatures. They took up the sides of the larger buildings like vines, adding beauty to the town. Iridescent pink and neon blue radiance reflected off the top of their buildings. Connected in a reef-like cluster, they floated on the surface of the water a hundred feet from the shore. A giant purple mushroom shrouded them all like an umbrella. I had an inkling it was probably some sort of information gathering satellite. As we strolled into the largest mall, I marveled at the fishes swimming beneath my feet. They bobbed against the glass, slushing through fronds of seaweed and corals. Around me, wolves and Lycans of all ranks weaved through the mall on cushioned clams the size of a king-sized bed.
Idris Raed selected a few more sets. My suspicion grew stronger, and I became wary of him. After paying, he led me out of the store back to the clam. A few seconds later, we got off on the fourth floor and strolled to the last formal wear store. It was the only one that specialized in long skirts and blouses. Idris Raed held the door and dipped into a comical bow. “Ladies first.” I suppressed a smile and walked past him with a confident git in my step. “Why, thank you, gentleman.” Our gazes collided, and we burst into giggles. I hated him. I blamed him. But at this moment, I felt so at ease with him, I couldn't hold onto my suspicion. Or summon my resentment. ‘Saira, you’re on an outing today. So…just for today, relax and enjoy yourself.’ “Hehe. Do you think a scourge like you deserves happiness?” “Fuck off, Zaria. I’m not in the mood to bicker with you.” I snapped and strengthened the barrier between our minds. I already had too much going on. The last thing I needed to hear wa
The second Zaria released her power, my bones cracked. A wave of razor heat and biting chill seared through my senses. A whimper escaped my lips and I crumbled to the ground in a spasming heap. My bones snapped and twisted, as if realigning themselves. I gritted my teeth so tight, the grinding sound echoed in the empty bathroom. “Hehe…feel my power, human!” Zaria cackled like a maniac in my head. She felt my agony, and without doubt, was more than enjoying it. The flood of heat and ice surged up a notch, pushing my mind to the brink of collapse. This bitch is doing it on purpose! I groaned, stifling a cry of pain. My nails scratched the marble floor, my breath coming out in strangled gasps. I cursed her. She was taking revenge for the past years. Even at this moment, when we were in a precarious situation, she was as petty as she was insane. All of a sudden, I felt extremely sad. Since birth, no one has ever liked me. Now, even though I had the care of a father, a mother, a best fri
**Idris** I felt my wolf settle the instant I inhaled her fresh evergreen scent. He’d been agitated when she left our sight. The chaos that ensued in the mall after her disappearance had him growling and snarling without pause. I didn’t get it. Though my wife, Saira wasn’t my soulmate. The way he behaved was no different from a Lycan who lost his mate. Strange. I sighed and gently rubbed my nose on Saira’s shoulder. This was our first real hug since our Bonding Ceremony. I wasn’t sure if it was due to the growing bond. But once I hugged her, I didn’t feel like letting her out of my arms. She felt so warm and soft, so comfortable, my eyelids drooped in bliss. Then I caught it. The smell of blood. It was faint. Barely discernible in the fragrance of her evergreen scent. But I couldn’t mistake the metallic rust. Or the sulfuric stench unique to the banished rogues. My mind raced as many questions surfaced in my heart. Pulling back, I ignored her protests, and scanned her for injuries
Huffs and groans resounded in the clearing. Red-faced and drenched in sweat, we completed the basic exercise and got into combat positions. “Split into pairs! We’ll perform one-on-one combat today!” The Lycan Commander barked, clasping his hands behind his back. I looked around the field. The early morning fog clung onto the trees and shrouded the clearing. As trainees scattered out, a large figure appeared from the side and loomed before me. “I’ll be your partner.” Einas Raed declared with a cold expression. I shivered, recalling our exchange from yesterday. “That…I’ll find another partner.” I said. “Why? Scared?” “Of what? You?” “Heh. I was just guessing. I didn’t know that would be the case?” “Commander, I’m new to the squad. Don’t you think it’s too early for me to practice with you?” I questioned through clenched teeth and crossed my arms. I still had to see the Luna in the afternoon. The last thing I wanted was to faint again. “No, you’ve already got the basics down. Tra
When I reached the Lycan Leader’s palace, an Omega led me into the Living Hall. Nearly an hour had passed since then, and the Luna…she was still nowhere to be seen. “Hehe…” I snickered, half-amused, half-disgusted at the Luna’s actions. She was showing me a demonstration of her power. But why? Was she afraid I’d replace her in her clan? The woman had nothing to fear. I wasn’t interested in becoming the Lycans motherly figure so soon. I sighed and shook my head. My butt was stiff. Sitting in the same position for so long wasn’t fun at all. I got out of my seat and walked around. The Living Hall of the Lycan Leader was made from glass. Gossamer curtains fluttered on a gentle breeze, providing an unhindered view of the tropical garden outside. Though beautiful, the sight didn’t entrance me as it normally did. And after the trip to Lycan Town, I doubted any sight would in the near future. An oil painting caught my eye. It depicted a bloody battlefield, with wolves and vampires ripping